How much are passport photos at Walgreens in 2026?

$16.99 for two printed 2×2 passport photos taken in-store, including a free digital copy emailed to you. No appointment needed.

Does Walgreens give you a digital passport photo?

Yes — Walgreens includes a free digital copy emailed to you as part of the $16.99 service. This is a notable advantage over CVS, which charges $3.99 extra for a digital copy.

Can Walgreens passport photos get rejected?

Yes. Even though Walgreens uses compliance scanning tools, photos can still be rejected by the State Department. Common issues include incorrect head size, shadows, and lighting problems. Walgreens staff are pharmacy employees, not photography specialists.

Can I print my own passport photo at Walgreens?

Yes. Upload a 4×6 template file to photo.walgreens.com and print as a standard 4×6 for $0.39 (or $0.29 at 100+ quantity). Cut the individual 2×2 photos to size. Much cheaper than the $16.99 staffed service.

Is Walgreens better than CVS for passport photos?

Walgreens is $1 cheaper ($16.99 vs $17.99), includes a free digital copy (CVS charges $3.99 extra), and uses compliance scanning tools. For the staffed service, Walgreens is the better value of the two.

How long does it take to get passport photos at Walgreens?

Typically a few minutes. No appointment needed — just walk up to the photo counter. Wait time depends on store traffic and staff availability.

Does Walgreens take baby passport photos?

Yes, Walgreens accepts all ages. However, baby passport photos in a retail setting can be challenging. Many parents find it easier to photograph babies at home on a white sheet and use an online service for compliance checking.

Walgreens Passport Photos: $16.99 Cost, Process & Cheaper Alternative (2026)

Walgreens Passport Photos: $16.99 with Free Digital Copy

Walgreens is the best retail option at $16.99 with a free digital copy. But you still get one or two rushed takes — and that photo is on your passport for 10+ years.

The Math

Walgreens staffed

$16.99

2 photos + digital

PPF + Walgreens print

$7.38

6 photos + digital

Save $9.61 and get 4 extra photos

What You Get at Walgreens

Walgreens Passport Photo Service — $16.99

Walk into any Walgreens with a photo counter, and a staff member takes your photo using the store's system. You leave with two printed photos and a digital copy sent to your email.

Price	$16.99
What's included	Two 2×2 printed passport photos + free digital copy
Digital copy	Free — emailed to you
Compliance tools	Built-in scanning/verification at the counter
Wait time	Typically a few minutes
Appointment	No appointment needed
Availability	Most locations with a photo counter

Walgreens vs CVS: Quick Comparison

	Walgreens	CVS
Price	$16.99	$17.99
Digital copy	Free	$3.99 extra
Total (prints + digital)	$16.99	$21.98
Compliance tools	Yes	Basic
Availability	Most locations	Select locations

If you must use a retail option, Walgreens is the better value.

What Walgreens Doesn't Guarantee

State Department acceptance. Walgreens uses compliance scanning tools, but they don't catch everything. Photos can still be rejected for subtle head size issues, uneven lighting, or shadow problems.
Retakes after submission. If the State Department rejects your photo weeks later, Walgreens' retake/refund policy varies. You may end up paying twice.
Non-US document formats. Walgreens produces 2×2 inch photos (US standard). If you need 35×45mm (Schengen, UK), 33×48mm (China), or other sizes, they can't help.

The Real Problem: One Take, Ten Years

Even though Walgreens is the best retail option, the fundamental problem remains:

You get one or two takes. The Walgreens employee takes a quick photo. Maybe they'll retake it once. But there's no time for "let me try a different angle" or "I don't love how that looks." The result goes on your passport for 10 years or more.
Kids and babies don't cooperate on demand. Getting a toddler to sit still, look at the camera, and not cry — in an unfamiliar store with fluorescent lighting — is stressful for everyone. At home, parents lay the baby on a white sheet on the floor, or prop them in the corner of a couch — comfortable and relaxed, with unlimited attempts.
You can't control the lighting. Retail stores have overhead fluorescent lights that create unflattering shadows under your eyes and chin. You wouldn't take a profile photo under those lights — why accept it for a photo you'll carry for a decade?

With PassportPhotoFactory: Turn it into your own mini photoshoot at home. Try different outfits, lighting, and expressions. Our AI Photo Coach guides you after each take — "move left," "tilt chin down," "background too dark." Keep going until you love the result. This photo is yours for a decade — it should be one you're proud of.

The Walgreens Visit: What to Expect

Go to the photo counter. No appointment needed. Let the staff know you need passport photos.

Stand for the photo. Staff positions you against the backdrop and takes the shot. Their system runs a basic compliance check.

Wait for prints. Usually ready in a few minutes. They'll print two 2×2 photos.

Pay $16.99 and get your digital copy. The digital file is emailed to you — useful for online passport renewal or as a backup.

The Cheaper Alternative: DIY + Print at Walgreens

Print Your Own at Walgreens for $0.39

Use Walgreens as a cheap print shop instead of their $16.99 staffed service:

Get a compliant photo + 4×6 template. Use PassportPhotoFactory ($6.99) to take your photo, verify compliance, and generate a 4×6 template with 6 passport photos.

Upload to Walgreens Photo. Go to photo.walgreens.com, select Prints, upload your 4×6 file.

Select 4×6 glossy print. $0.39 per print (or $0.29 at 100+ quantity). Choose same-day pickup at your local store.

Pick up and cut to size. Use a ruler and sharp blade to cut the 2×2 photos from the 4×6 sheet. You now have 6 compliant passport photos.

Total cost: $6.99 (PPF) + $0.39 (Walgreens print) = $7.38 for 6 photos + digital file.
That's $9.61 less than Walgreens' staffed service, and you get 4 extra photos.

Love Your Photo

Your own mini photoshoot at home. Our AI Photo Coach guides you step-by-step. Try unlimited times until you love your photo — all for just $6.99.

Get Photo — $6.99

Unlimited retakes

AI coach for perfect results

State Dept compliant

Digital + 4×6 template

190+ countries supported

Print at any store for cents

Related Guides

Walgreens Passport Photo FAQ

$16.99 for two printed 2×2 photos plus a free digital copy emailed to you. No appointment needed.

Yes. The digital copy is emailed to you at no extra charge as part of the $16.99 service. This file can be used for online passport renewal submissions. Walgreens also offers a USB option for an additional fee.

Yes. Walgreens uses compliance scanning tools, but the State Department makes the final determination. Photos can be rejected for head size issues (must be 1 to 1⅜ inches), shadows, poor lighting, or background problems. Walgreens staff are not passport photo specialists.

Walgreens wins on value: $16.99 with a free digital copy vs CVS at $17.99 with digital costing $3.99 extra. Walgreens also has compliance scanning tools and broader availability. For prints + digital, Walgreens saves you $5 over CVS.

Yes. Upload a 4×6 template file to photo.walgreens.com, select a 4×6 glossy print ($0.39), and pick up same day. Cut the individual 2×2 photos to size. This is State Department-approved.

No. Walgreens only produces the standard US 2×2 inch format. For Schengen/EU (35×45mm), UK (35×45mm), China (33×48mm), or other sizes, you'll need an online service like PassportPhotoFactory that supports 190+ country-specific formats.

Sources

Your Passport Photo Should Be One You Love

Our AI Photo Coach guides you step-by-step. Try unlimited times until you love the result — from the comfort of home. Print at Walgreens for $0.39. Total: $7.38 instead of $16.99.

Get Started — $6.99

Works for passports, visas, green cards, and more. See full comparison →

PassportPhotoFactory - Create Compliant Passport Photos Instantly